DUNLEER BID FOR TOP TOWN AWARD
MID LOUTH TOWN SEEKING ENTERPRISE GLORY THIS WEEK
THREE county Louth towns are hoping to win a prestigious ‘Enterprise Town’ award and possibly be named Ireland’s National Enterprise Town 2018 when they showcase local projects where the community and business have worked together.
Flying the flag and hoping to impress the judging panel with their spirit of enterprise in the Bank of Ireland sponsored awards are Dundalk, Blackrock and Dunleer.
The judges will get a chance to hear about the efforts made to promote each of the towns before being brought on guided tours of some of their key initiatives.
In Blackrock, which was shortlisted in the medium size town category, Larry Magnier of Blackrock Tidy Towns said, “the community spirit in Blackrock is second to none, and all sectors - voluntary, sporting and business - have always worked together for the benefit of the village as a whole.”
In Dunleer, which has the smallest population of the three, Eugene Conlon of the Dunleer Community Development Group said, “we are delighted to have been shortlisted as we feel it is a recognition of the success that has been achieved through community, business and local traders working together to ensure employment and business grow so that as a community we all achieve success.”
Thomas McEvoy, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Louth said, “The town teams are putting a huge effort into the preparations for the judging on the 29th & 30th August, 2018. This is a great opportunity to showcase the Enterprising Spirit of these towns”.
Paula Harmon, Bank of Ireland, Head of County Louth said; “SMEs, Startups and community organisations are the backbone of the local economy and a significant driver of the country’s success and spirit. Local business owners and community groups want to see their town doing well, and there is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to motivate people to put their best foot forward. I am excited to see some really strong entries from Louth and know they will do the entire county proud.
Cllr Liam Reilly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council concluded, “I am delighted that all three centres have been shortlisted, all are unique in their approach to how they operate.”
He said they are a mix of urban and rural centres, with Blackrock being a bit of both and, “it is great that Louth County Council have the opportunity to work with all three shortlisted teams, I wish them all the best of luck.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of November.